Is worth it to replace only front and rear speakers?

[boris13]

The OEM head unit doesn't sound too bad to me. I'm thinking of keeping it (or getting the Canadian Yaris RS 6-disc changer/receiver) and using Pioneer Premier TS-D701P 2-way speakers in the front and Pioneer TS-A1781R 4-way speakers in the rear. Both speaker models are oversize (6 3/4") and both are rated for a sensitivity of 91dB (so I'm thinking that the OEM unit's power should be enough to drive them).

Any thoughts? I'm looking for a low-cost upgrade that will give me a fuller sound, more clarity, and a lot more bass without adding a thumping subwoofer.

[spkrman]

Originally Posted by boris13

The OEM head unit doesn't sound too bad to me. I'm thinking of keeping it (or getting the Canadian Yaris RS 6-disc changer/receiver) and using Pioneer Premier TS-D701P 2-way speakers in the front and Pioneer TS-A1781R 4-way speakers in the rear. Both speaker models are oversize (6 3/4") and both are rated for a sensitivity of 91dB (so I'm thinking that the OEM unit's power should be enough to drive them).

Any thoughts? I'm looking for a low-cost upgrade that will give me a fuller sound, more clarity, and a lot more bass without adding a thumping subwoofer.

Any improvement in bass in almost always met with a decrease in output... I only say almost because I'm sure there is an exception to the rule somewhere, but I've never seen it!

The addition of the bright pioneer tweeters will give a sense of "clarity" (although they really aren't "clean" by any means), but I suspect bass output wont increase much if at all.

There are speakers capable of giving a low end similar to a subwoofer, but all of them will require an amp.

Your much better off adding a set of tweeters to the stock setup, and mounting on the A pillar, it'll yield more of an overall improvement than anything you can do at this point, short of adding an amp.

If you can deal with less output, go for a lower end componenet set (as opposed to the kappas listed above, the reference series would be a better choice)... will definitely yield improved quality across the board.

[boris13]

Originally Posted by spkrman

Any improvement in bass in almost always met with a decrease in output... I only say almost because I'm sure there is an exception to the rule somewhere, but I've never seen it!

The addition of the bright pioneer tweeters will give a sense of "clarity" (although they really aren't "clean" by any means), but I suspect bass output wont increase much if at all.

There are speakers capable of giving a low end similar to a subwoofer, but all of them will require an amp.

Your much better off adding a set of tweeters to the stock setup, and mounting on the A pillar, it'll yield more of an overall improvement than anything you can do at this point, short of adding an amp.

If you can deal with less output, go for a lower end componenet set (as opposed to the kappas listed above, the reference series would be a better choice)... will definitely yield improved quality across the board.

So, let's say I go ahead and add a small amp (I guess I'd need to hook up a line-out converter or something like that, right?) to the system. Would that drive the speakers better and add some bass? What's your opinion of the Pioneer Premier speakers?

I'd also be interested in what speakers you feel would add low end similar to a subwoofer (I've pretty much decided against adding a sub; I need the room in the back for my dogs). I'm looking to invest $500-700 here, including installation. I should also mention that most of the music I'll be playing is blues, '50s-'60s R&B, and early/classic rock. So I don't need hip-hop style bass thump.

[spkrman]

Originally Posted by boris13

So, let's say I go ahead and add a small amp (I guess I'd need to hook up a line-out converter or something like that, right?) to the system. Would that drive the speakers better and add some bass? What's your opinion of the Pioneer Premier speakers?

I'd also be interested in what speakers you feel would add low end similar to a subwoofer (I've pretty much decided against adding a sub; I need the room in the back for my dogs). I'm looking to invest $500-700 here, including installation. I should also mention that most of the music I'll be playing is blues, '50s-'60s R&B, and early/classic rock. So I don't need hip-hop style bass thump.

I would hit up your local reliable audio shop, and let them take care of you. Best buy/circuit city/etc need not apply, tweeter is about as good as it gets with big chains.

You should be able to accomplish your goal within that budget - put your $ into a quality 2 channel amp and quality front components, instead of a 4 channel and all new speakers and you will get the sound you desire :)

[H2XcapePod]

Originally Posted by boris13

The OEM head unit doesn't sound too bad to me. I'm thinking of keeping it (or getting the Canadian Yaris RS 6-disc changer/receiver) and using Pioneer Premier TS-D701P 2-way speakers in the front and Pioneer TS-A1781R 4-way speakers in the rear. Both speaker models are oversize (6 3/4") and both are rated for a sensitivity of 91dB (so I'm thinking that the OEM unit's power should be enough to drive them).

Any thoughts? I'm looking for a low-cost upgrade that will give me a fuller sound, more clarity, and a lot more bass without adding a thumping subwoofer.

GO For IT!!! I just installed a similar setup this past week,...Pioneer G650 (3-way 6.5) in the front and Pioneer 6881 (4-way 6x8) in the rear. I actually have bass response now and I get good clarity well beyond a comfortable listening level. I do have a problem though. With the factory insulation in the door I can hardly hear the 6x8's in the rear and it seems I get most the bass from the front. Oh yea...I got a Alpine MRP F240 from my buddy on the cheap yesterday. So whenever I get around to installing it that should remedy any other issues...